Air handling systems or devices intermingling fresh and stale air

ABSTRACT

Various systems and apparati as well as devices and structures are provided which may be used or incorporated into air handling systems (e.g. (air) ventilation systems and apparati) for the manipulation or control of air in a enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like. Such air handling systems (e.g. ventilation apparati or systems) may for example include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside an enclosure e.g. a building) to cooler exterior fresh air (drawn into the enclosure e.g. building). The present invention further relates to air handling systems (e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may not only exhaust stale interior air to the outside of an enclosure but as desired or necessary also intermingle a portion of such stale air with fresh air for delivery of the intermingled air back into the enclosure (during cold or warm weather). The present invention in particular relates to air handling systems (e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may exploit warm interior air as defrost air for defrosting the system during cool weather.

The present invention relates to various systems and apparati as well asdevices and structures which may be used or incorporated into airhandling systems (e.g. (air) ventilation and/or heating and/orfiltration systems and apparati, etc.) for the manipulation or controlof air in a enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such asa residence, and the like. Such air handling systems (e.g. ventilationapparati or systems) may for example include an element for the transferof heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside an enclosure e.g. abuilding) to cooler exterior fresh air (drawn into the enclosure e.g.building). The present invention further relates to air handling systems(e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may not only exhaust staleinterior air to the outside of an enclosure but as desired or necessaryalso intermingle a portion of such stale air with fresh air for deliveryof the intermingled air back into the enclosure (during cold or warmweather). The present invention in particular relates to air handlingsystems (e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may exploit warminterior air as defrost air for defrosting the system during coolweather.

Heat recovery ventilation systems are known whose function is to drawfresh exterior air into a building and to exhaust stale interior air tothe outside. The systems are provided with appropriate ducting, channelsand the like which define a fresh air path and an exhaust air pathwhereby with the interior air of a building and the exterior ambient airmay be exchanged; during ventilation the air in one path is not normallyallowed to mix with the air in the other path. A heat recoveryventilator device which forms part of such a system is provided withcorresponding air paths and also one or more heat exchange elements orcores.

Heat recovery ventilation devices may also have a housing or cabinet;such enclosures may for example be of sheet metal construction (e.g. thetop, bottom, side walls and any door, etc. may be made from panels ofsheet metal). The heat exchanging element(s), as well as other elementsof the device such as, for example, channels or ducts which define airpaths, filtration means, insolation and if desired one or more fans formoving air through the fresh air and exhaust air paths may be disposedin the enclosure. Such ventilation devices may be disposed on theoutside of or within a building such as a house, commercial building orthe like; appropriate insulation may be provided around any duct workneeded to connect the device to the fresh air source and the interiorair of the building.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,610, for example, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,622describe ventilation devices which exhaust stale inside air from astructure such a house while delivering fresh outside air to theinterior of the building; the entire contents of each of these patentsis incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned above, it is known to exhaust stale interior air of anenclosure to the outside of the enclosure. It is also known tointermingle stale exhaust air of an enclosure with fresh air fordelivery of the intermingled air back into the enclosure; theintermingled air prior to delivery back to the enclosure may as desiredor necessary be subjected to one or more treatment stages such as forexample a filtration stage, a heat transfer stage, etc. A disadvantageof such known intermingling systems or apparati is that the entire staleexhaust air flow stream is intermingled with a fresh air flow stream toobtain an intermingled air flow of greater volume than that of theinitial exhaust air flow; it is this greater volume of intermingled airthat is then subjected to a filtration stage. The so treated (i.e.filtered) air is then split into a first portion for delivery back tothe enclosure and a second portion for exhausting to the exterior of theenclosure. A drawback of such a known system is that the air exhaustedoutside the enclosure (e.g. dwelling) has been subjected to a filtrationtreatment stage, a heat transfer stage, etc. before exhaustion. Thisreduces the efficiency of a filtering/heat transfer/purifying capabilityof the system for the enclosure (e.g. dwelling).

It would be advantageous to have a ventilation method, system, apparatusor the like which avoids the exhausting of a portion of treated air(e.g. filtered, heat treated, etc.) to the exterior of an enclosure.

Ventilation systems and devices such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,193,610, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,622 are known to exploitdamper systems which control the flow of air through the various ductsand channels thereof. Such known damper systems may exploit damperswhich are actuated (i.e. displaced from one position or configuration toanother position or configuration) by means of rigid (metal) link rod(s)driven by a motor arm mounted directly on a damper actuation motor.These systems require significant precision to work properly because aslight variation in rod or arm length may result in improper damperclosure. More particularly, such damper systems are used to controlpairs (i.e. two) of dampers which respectively may close off or open afresh air path as well as contemporaneously opening or closing off astate exhaust air path. If one of the dampers fails to completely closewhile the other is still open, this may result in an air leak, which maylead to ice buildup under certain cold weather operating conditions.

It would therefor be advantageous to have a damper system whichcomprises a plurality (i.e. two or more) dampers which are to becontemporaneously displaced which is self aligning, i.e. if a dampercloses before the other, an activation component will be able tocontinue to act on the unclosed damper until the second damper is fullyclosed

It is also known that an ordinary ventilation unit, or system allowingair exchange with the exterior may cause discomfort like nose bleedingduring the winter due to overdryness of air. It would be advantageous tohave a damper means, which may be used to overcome this situation, andwhich reacts to constrict the flow of air asa function of temperaturevariations around the damper. It would in particular be advantageous ifsuch a damper could react without recourse to an external (electrical)power source, i.e. the damper movement would be a purely mechanicaldevice.

The present invention has a connector aspect. This connector aspect ofthe invention relates to a connector for securing together two elementsat least one of which is of material having a relatively poor or weakgripping characteristic with respect to screw type attachment devicesand/or bolt/nut attachment devices. The connector may be used to avoidstress concentration in the area of attachment.

The mentioned material, for example may have a relatively weak grip (orstrength) on the screw threads of the thread part of the screw partembedded therein such that the screw thread end may be relatively easilydislodged from engagement with the material in which it is embedded. Theattachment strength of the attachment device is therefor relativelyweak.

It would be advantageous to have connector which may be attached to astructure of a friable material with a screw or similar attachment meansbut wherein the threaded part of the screw is screw engaged with theconnector not the structure per se. It would also be advantageous tohave a connector which may have an additional engagement component forconnection to another structure.

The present invention also has an air diffuser aspect. This aspect ofthe present invention relates to means and mechanisms by which a firstair stream or flow may be intermingled with a second air stream or flow.

It is known for example to provide an air a handling system whichprovides for the mixing of a cold (and possibly dry) air stream with ahot (and possibly humid) air stream. However, the intermingling ormixing of such streams may lead to the presence in the system ofundesirable or unwanted water condensation and even snow or ice buildup;this is especially so if a cold/dry flow of air (exterior air) is merelybrought into contact with the a flow of high humidity warm/hot air(interior air such as from a dwelling) during winter conditions. On theopposite side a similar undesirable water buildup (i.e. a liquid orsolid) may occur in an air handling system if fresh hot humid outsideair is contacted with relatively cool stale dry inside air (i.e. hotsummer conditions).

It would be advantageous to have means or mechanism for an air handlingsystem (e.g. an air ventilation system) whereby the mixing orintermingling of one air stream with a second air stream may bemanipulated so as to provide a staggered or staged (i.e. gradual) mixingof one air flow into another air flow.

It would be advantageous for example to be able to manipulate air flowsuch that a first air stream may be split into sub-portions orsub-streams which may be gradually (e.g. sequentially) brought intocontact with a second air stream in (intermittent or continuous) stagesrather than being intermingled in a more or less single shot process

It would in particular be advantageous to have a dispersal or dispensingmechanism which would be able to provide for a graduated interminglingof one air flow with another air flow.

It would further be advantageous to be able to associate with any airintermingling means (whether known or as described herein) a temperatureresponsive means able to choke off (once a predetermined cut~off freshair temperature is reached, e.g. a too low outside air temperature) theinflow of a first (i.e. fresh air) air flow to the intermingling meansand the out flow of a second (stale air) air flow with respect to anenclosure (e.g. dwelling), namely once a predetermined air inflowtemperature is reached fresh air inflow and stale air exhaust (i.e.outflow from an enclosure) is inhibited or stopped outright (e.g. staleair may be merely recycled back to an enclosure without any added freshair).

The present invention has a further blower assembly aspect. This(blower) aspect of the present invention relates to a blower wheelassembly which is provided with first and second blower wheels mountedon a common rotor shaft.

It is known to mount first and second spaced apart blower wheels on acommon motor rotor shaft for use in a ventilation apparatus wherein oneblower is to be associated with a fresh air stream and the other with astale or exhaust air stream. For such an arrangement it is known to passthe portion of the motor rotor shaft associated with one blower througha respective baffle wall with the motor separated from the two airstreams by both baffles, i.e. the motor is sandwiched between the pairof baffle walls. The air handling apparatus in which such blowerassembly is incorporated must be relatively large to accommodate theblower structure. Additionally removal for servicing of the motor and/orblowers is complicated by the fact that the motor mus usually beseparated from the blowers while still in the air handling apparatus.

It would be advantageous to have a relatively compact blower assemblyfor association with a motor. It would also be advantageous to have ablower assembly (which may be associated with a motor) which wouldfacilitate servicing of an air handling system (e.g. apparatus) in whichit is incorporated by allowing the blower assembly (and associatedmotor) to be removably as a single unit from the air handling system.

The present invention additionally has a mounting port aspect. This(port attachment/sealing) aspect of the invention relates to a mountingport of the type for connection to an opening means which may or may notexploit attachment means of the snap or quick connect type. The snaptype of connectors are known and may exploit mateable male and femaleelements which are of materials or construction which promote springlike characteristic which allow for the quick connect or release ofelements.

A difficulty with respect to such quick connect ports relates thesealing of the port to the inlet of an air pathway of an air handlingapparatus, i.e. there is a tendency to leak unless a sealing element isprovided.

It is also known to use a mounting port which is limited for attachmentto single size duct.

It would be advantageous to have mounting port for an air opening for anair handling apparatus able to a provide a self air seal capability incooperation with an air opening of a system. It would in particular beadvantageous to have quick connect mounting port for an air opening foran air handling apparatus able to a provide a self air seal capabilityin cooperation with an air opening element of an air handling system(e.g. apparatus).

It would also be advantageous to have a versatile mounting port whichcould be attached to ducts of different sizes, i.e. to be able to reducethe number of different parts necessary for a system.

Ventilation Method

Statement of Invention

In one aspect the invention allows for a method for introducing freshair to and exhausting stale air from an air handling system or apparatusassociated with an enclosure such as for example a system having aventilation circuit comprising the steps of:

-   -   exhausting a portion of the stale air from the circuit (i.e.        enclosure) to create a reduced stale air stream;    -   introducing an amount of fresh air into the reduced stale air        stream to create a mixed or intermingled air stream; and as        desired or necessary filtering the mixed or intermingled air        stream.

More particularly the present invention provides, a method forintroducing fresh air from outside an enclosure into stale air from theenclosure (e.g. in a ventilation circuit) comprising the steps of:

-   -   splitting a stale air flow from the enclosure into a first        exhaust air flow stream for exhaustion (i.e. from the enclosure        or circuit) and a reduced stale air flow stream;    -   introducing (a predetermined amount of) fresh air from outside        the enclosure into the reduced stale air stream so as to create        or obtain an intermingled (i.e. a mixed) air stream; and        optionally or as desired    -   filtering the intermingled (i.e. mixed) air stream to obtain a        filtered intermingled air stream. The so obtained intermingled        (i.e. a mixed) air stream or a so obtained intermingled filtered        air stream may as desired be delivered directly into an        enclosure or as desired or necessary be subjected to one or more        a other or further treatment stages (e.g. heat exchange stage, a        filtering stage, a humidification stage, a de-humidification        stage, etc.).

In another aspect the invention allows for a device for introducingfresh air to and exhausting stale from air in an enclosure (e.g. aventilation circuit) comprising:

-   -   means for exhausting a portion of the stale air from the        enclosure air handling circuit to create a reduced stale air        stream;    -   means for introducing an amount of fresh air from the exterior        or outside of the enclosure into the reduced stale air stream to        create a mixed air stream; and    -   means for delivering the mixed or intermingled air stream or        flow to the ventilation circuit, and if desired filtering the        mixed or intermingled air flow.

More particularly the present invention provides, a system, (e.g.device, apparatus etc.) for introducing fresh air from outside anenclosure into stale air from the enclosure (e.g. in a ventilationcircuit wherein air is taken from an enclosure to be treated and/orexhausted) comprising:

-   -   an air splitter component for splitting an exhaust stale air        flow from an enclosure into a first exhaust air flow stream for        exhaustion (e.g. from the ventilation circuit) and a reduced        stale air flow stream;    -   an air intermingling component for introducing (i.e. a        predetermined amount of) fresh air from outside the enclosure        into the reduced stale air stream so as to create or obtain an        intermingled (i.e. a mixed) air stream; and optionally or as        desired    -   an air filtering component for filtering the intermingled (i.e.        mixed) air stream so as to obtain a filtered intermingled air        stream. A so obtained intermingled (i.e. a mixed) air stream or        a so obtained intermingled filtered air stream may as desired be        delivered directly into an enclosure or as desired or necessary        be subjected to one or more a other or further treatment means        or stages or components (e.g. heat exchange component, filtering        component, a humidification stage, a de-humidification stage,        etc.).        Damper System and Auto Activating Choker

Statement of Invention

The present invention allows for a damper displacement system fordisplacing a plurality of damper elements or components (eg. two ormore) between a first (e.g. open/closed) position and a second (e.g.closed/open) position.

The damper displacement system, may, for example, comprise adisplacement component comprising

-   -   a rotatable component or element; and a    -   a flexible (e.g. wire or wire-like) component or element (e.g. a        single wire or a wire loop) connecting said damper elements and        rotatable component. Alternatively, the displacement component        instead of having a rotational actuation element may instead        have a linear actuation element which is able to engage the        flexible wire or wire-like component.

The flexible elongated element may be of any suitable configuration andmay in particular be elastic or non-elastic; e.g. the flexible elongatedelement may be of a suitable (known) elastic or non-elastic material. Inaccordance with the present invention each of the damper elements may,for example, if so desired or necessary, be associated with a damperbiasing element for biasing the damper element in a first position (e.g.in a first closed position).

The damper displacement system, may, for example, comprise adisplacement component comprising

-   -   a rotatable (central) component or element having an aperture or        hole; and a    -   a flexible elongated component or element (e.g. a single wire or        a wire loop) connecting said damper elements and threaded        through and slidably seated in said hole. The wire component may        be single component and a rotatable central or intermediate        component may be disposed such that the central or intermediate        component can be caused to rotate thereby winding the wire        around said rotatable central component and causing the        plurality of damper components to be displaced. The wire        component and the central component may, for example, also be        disposed such that when the central component is not caused to        rotate a damper biasing means, if present, may be able to cause        the wire to unwind from the central component thereby allowing        the plurality of damper to close (e.g. contemporaneously).        Alternatively, if no biasing means is present the displacement        component may comprise a two part wire component wherein each        wire part is independently attached or engaged with the central        component such that while one wire part is being wound up the        other wire part is being unwound. In this two part wire        component case, the wire parts may, for example, each be        independently attached to the dampers such that rotation of the        central part in one direction (e.g. clockwise) causes the wire        part being wound up to urge the dampers to be displaced from an        initial position to a different position while the other wire        part retreats (i.e. is unwound) and vice-versa when the central        part is rotated in the opposite (anti-clockwise) rotational        direction (i.e. the displacement component may be in the form of        a type of push-pull type arrangement).

Thus in accordance with an aspect the present invention provides adamper system (for an air handling system (e.g. apparatus, device, etc.;e.g. a ventilation apparatus)) comprising

-   -   a plurality of (i.e. two or more and in particular two) damper        elements, each of said damper elements comprising a respective        connector element, each of said dampers being displaceable from        a respective first position to a respective second position and    -   a displacement component for displacing said damper elements        from a respective first position to a respective second position    -   said displacement component comprising        -   a flexible (i.e. elastic or non-elastic) elongated damper            interconnection element, and        -   a displacement element comprising an engagement component,    -   wherein said elongated damper interconnection element is        connected to the engagement component of said displacement        element and to the connectors of each of said dampers,    -   wherein said displacement component is configured (and disposed)        such that said displacement component is reversibly displaceable        (i.e. is able to pass) between a first configuration wherein        said dampers are each in respective first positions and a second        configuration wherein said dampers are each in respective second        positions, said displacement component being configured such        that as said displacement component passes (i.e. shifts) from        said first configuration to said second configuration, said        displacement component induces displacement of each of said        dampers from a respective first position to a respective second        position and    -   wherein said displacement component is configured such that as        said displacement component passes from said first configuration        to said second configuration so as to induce displacement of        said dampers from a respective first position to a respective        second position and one or more of said dampers trail(s) one or        more of (the) other damper(s) in respect of its (their)        displacement to (i.e. its arrival at) its (their) respective        second position, the displacement component, once any leading        damper(s) has/have (stopped) arrived at, traveled to or reached        its (their) second position, is able to continue its        displacement and thereby induce any (i.e. each of) the trailing        damper(s) to be displaced to its (their) second position while        any leading damper(s) is/are maintained at its (their) second        position.

In accordance with the present invention the displacement component maycomprise a (wind-up) pulley or bobbin element (reversibly) rotatableabout an axis of rotation and wherein said bobbin element is rotatablearound said axis for winding up and paying (i.e. unwinding) out saidelongated damper interconnection element, said dampers beingdisplaceable from a respective first position to a respective secondposition as said elongated damper interconnection element is wound up.

In accordance with the present invention the (wind-up) pulley or bobbinelement or rotatable central component may be connected to a motorcomponent, said motor component being capable of rotating the pulley orbobbin element or the rotatable central component.

In accordance with the present invention there is in particular provideda damper system (for an air handling system (e.g. apparatus, device,etc.; e.g. a ventilation apparatus)) comprising

-   -   two damper elements, each of said damper elements comprising a        respective connector element, each of said dampers being        displaceable between a respective first position to a respective        second position and    -   a displacement component for displacing said damper elements        from a respective first position to a respective second position    -   said displacement component comprising        -   a flexible (i.e. elastic or non-elastic) elongated damper            interconnection element, and        -   an intermediate(wind-up) pulley or bobbin element            (reversibly) rotatable about an axis of rotation, said            bobbin element comprising an engagement component engaging            said elongated damper interconnection element,    -   wherein said elongated damper interconnection element is        connected to the engagement component of said bobbin element and        to the connectors of each of said dampers,    -   wherein said bobbin element is rotatable around or about said        axis for winding up and paying (i.e. unwinding) out said        elongated damper interconnection element, said dampers being        displaceable from a respective first position to a respective        second position as said elongated damper interconnection element        is wound up,    -   said displacement component being configured such when said        bobbin element is rotated about said axis so as to induce said        elongated damper interconnection element to be taken up by said        bobbin element (i.e. wound about) and one of said damper        elements trails the other damper in respect of its displacement        to (i.e. its arrival at) its respective second position, the        bobbin element, once the leading damper element has arrived at        or reached its second position, is able to continue to rotate        and thereby induce the trailing damper element to be displaced        to its second position while the leading damper element is        maintained at its second position.

The present invention further provides a damper system wherein saidelongated damper interconnection element has a first side member and asecond side member, wherein said first side member engages the connectorof one of said dampers and said second side member engages the connectorof the other of said dampers, wherein said bobbin element is rotatablearound said axis for winding up and paying (i.e. unwinding) out saidfirst and second side members, said dampers being displaceable from arespective first position to a respective second position as said firstand second side members are wound up,

-   -   said displacement component being configured such when said        bobbin element is rotated about said axis so as to induce said        first and second side members to be taken up (i.e. wound about)        and one of said dampers trails the other damper in respect of        its displacement to (i.e. its arrival at) its respective second        position, the bobbin element, once the leading damper has        arrived at or reached its second position, is able to continue        to rotate and thereby induce the trailing damper to be displaced        to its second position while the leading damper is maintained at        its second position.

The present invention further provides a damper system wherein saiddamper interconnection element is a flexible (continuous ornon-continuous) loop shaped damper interconnection element having afirst loop end and a second loop end and defining a first flight sideand an opposed second flight side, said first and second flight sideseach being connected respectively to said first and second ends,

-   -   wherein said bobbin element comprises a slippage engagement        component for slippingly engaging said first and second flight        sides, said bobbin element defining an aperture or hole, said        slippage engagement component comprising two take-up elements        and said aperture, said aperture being disposed between said        take-up elements, said first and second flight sides each being        threaded through said aperture,    -   wherein each of said damper connector elements comprises a        respective loop connector,    -   wherein said first end engages one of said loop connectors and        said second end engages the other of said loop connectors,    -   wherein said bobbin element is rotatable around said axis for        winding up and paying (i.e. unwinding) out said first and second        flight sides, said dampers being displaceable from a respective        first position to a respective second position as said first and        second flight sides are wound up,    -   said bobbin element being configured such that rotation thereof        about said axis (e.g. in a first rotational direction) induces        said first and second flight sides to be taken up (i.e. wound        about) by the take-up elements so as to wind the first and        second flight sides about the bobbin element and thereby induce        the damper elements to be displaced from said first to said        second position    -   said displacement component being configured such when said        bobbin element is rotated about said axis so as to induce first        and second flight sides to be taken up (i.e. wound about) and        one of said dampers trails the other damper in respect of its        displacement to (i.e. its arrival at) its respective second        position, the bobbin element, once the leading damper has        arrived at or reached its second position, is able to continue        to rotate and thereby induce the trailing damper to be displaced        to its second position while the leading damper is maintained at        its second position.

A damper system as defined herein may also include an electric motorcomponent connected to said bobbin element such that when said motorcomponent is energized (i.e. connected to a suitable source ofelectrical power such as by a suitable electrical switch) said motorcomponent (i.e. the motor rotor) is capable of rotating the bobbinelement in a rotational direction for displacing two damper elementsfrom a respective first position to a respective second position, therotational direction may be clockwise or anticlockwise as the case maybe. The motor component may be a reversible motor component i.e. a motorwhich is energizable such that the motor rotor may be made to rotateunder power in a clockwise or anticlockwise (i.e. counterclockwise)rotational direction (e.g. depending on the polarity of the electricalconnections connecting the motor to the power source); alternatively themotor may for example be one which is energizable in a single rotationaldirection and which once de-energized will not inhibit reverse rotationof a bobbin element due to the influence of a bias spring. The motor maybe of a (known) type which may be constantly on (i.e. continuallypowered up) to maintain the damper in a desired position against thetension applied by a biasing means (e.g. spring); once the electricalpower to the motor is turned off the (tension) biasing spring is of atype able to apply sufficient force to overcome the internal resistanceof the motor itself (e.g. drive gear friction, magnetic torque, etc). Asa further alternative if no biasing means is used then a motor may beused wherein the internal resistance of the motor itself (e.g. drivegear friction, magnetic torque, etc ) is able to maintain (i.e. brake)the dampers in position; the motor may be part of a push-pull damperdisplacement configuration for urging the dampers back and forth betweendifferent positions.

A damper system as described herein may comprise an electric switchelement configured so as to be able to energize and de-energize saidmotor; the electric switch may be controlled manually and/orautomatically. If automatic control is desired then any suitable orappropriate sensing means may be exploited. The sensing means may, forexample, be of a type able to provide a suitable signal(s) indicative ofthe damper position (e.g. a closed or open position). Any such signalsmay be directed to any type of suitable (known) electrical power sourcehaving an on/off switching component controllable by such signal(s). Thesensing means may take any other suitable form; it may for examplecomprise a mechanical or magnetic switch disposed so as to cut-offelectrical power to a motor once a damper has tripped the switch bydisplacement to a predetermined position.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides damper systemswherein each of said dampers may optionally be associated with arespective bias member (e.g. spring biasing member) biasing a damper inits respective first position. If a biasing member is present the motormay, as mentioned above, be energizable such that the motor rotor isforced to rotate under power in a single direction to induce winding upof a flexible elongated element; once power is cut off then rotation ofthe motor rotor in the opposite direction under the influence of a biasmember may bring the damper back to the biased position. Alternatively,such biasing means need not be used if the motor is of a reversible typeand the displacement element is for example connected to the dampers viathe displacement element by first and second elongated members in apush-pull type arrangement as mentioned herein.

The present invention further relates to an air handling system (e.g.apparatus, device, etc.) comprising a damper system as defined herein.

In accordance with the present invention a connector element of a damperelement may be a non-slippage connector or a slippage connector asdescribed herein and/or may include an extensible member (e.g. a springmember, an elastic member, etc.) connecting the elongated component to adamper.

In accordance with the present invention a damper displacement systemmay comprise dampers wherein each of said dampers is as mentioned hereinbe associated with a respective spring bias member biasing a damper inits respective first position.

In accordance with the present invention a damper displacement systemmay comprise an electric motor component connected to the bobbin elementsuch that when said motor component is energized (i.e. connected to asuitable source of electrical power such as by a suitable electricalswitch component as described herein) said motor component is capable ofrotating the bobbin element in a rotational direction for displacing twodamper elements from a respective first position to a respective secondposition.

In accordance with the present invention the motor component may beconfigured as mentioned herein such that once the motor component isdisconnected from the source of electrical power it will neverthelessmaintain the dampers in their respective second positions (e.g. themotor component may include some type of type of specific brakingmechanism or braking may be accomplished due to internal frictional ortorque producing elements of the motor component). In this case themotor component may be a reversible motor component (i.e. comprise areversible motor and be associated with suitable control elements forfacilitating such reverse rotation). In this case for example the motorcomponent may as discussed be used to rotate the bobbin element in theopposite rotational allowing any biasing member to urge the dampers totheir respective first position.

On the other hand the motor component may a mentioned be configured suchthat as long as the motor component is energized it will maintain thedampers in their respective second positions. However, once the motorcomponent is disconnected from the source of electrical power it willnot act against any biasing member associated with the damper such thatthe biasing member is able to induce the damper to return io its firstposition. In this case, because the dampers are individually springmounted, it makes the system very safe. For example, if the firstposition to which the dampers are biased is the closed position, whereinthe dampers are arranged to prevent air exchange with the exterior, thenif a power failure occurs or if the damper loop (e.g. wire) breaks, thedampers (in the second position) will return to their fully closedposition, which will prevent air exchange with the (cold) exterior (i.e.this defines an auto shut off feature).

Thus in accordance with the present invention a damper displacementsystem may comprise a motor component wherein the motor component is areversible motor component.

In accordance with the present invention a damper may be connected inany suitable (known) fashion to a pivot connect member and be associatedwith air duct formations such that the damper is disposed and configuredso as to be able to pivot or rotate about the pivot connect memberbetween a first (e.g. fresh air open (or stale air closed)) position anda second (e.g. stale air closed (or fresh air closed) position. Suchconfigurations may, for example, be seen in the before mentioned U.S.Pat. No. 5,193,610 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,622. A damper may inparticular be associated with a bias (e.g. spring) component which tendsto maintain a damper in a predetermined position (e.g. either closed oropen as the case may be).

It is to be understood herein that the reference to a slippageconnector(s) and the slippage engagement element is to be taken asmeaning that said bobbin element and said one or more slippage connectorelements are configured such that as said loop is being wound up and theloop on one side of the bobbin element becomes taut any slack betweenthe bobbin element and the loop on the other side of the bobbin elementis compensated for or overcome by further rotation of the bobbininducing slippage of the loop in a pulley like action about a slippageconnector, a take-up element and said aperture, i.e. any slack isovercome by one flight side of the loop moving towards the slippageconnecter while the other flight side moves away from the slippageconnecter (i.e. as the loop slips about the slippage connector) in apulley like action so as to shorten the free unwound length of the loopbetween the bobbin element and a damper element (not fully in the secondposition).

In accordance with the present invention an intermediate (wind-up)pulley or bobbin element may have opposed (aligned) grooved bobbin ends;the bobbin element defining an aperture or opening element between saidends through which the first and second flight sides may each bethreaded.

In accordance with the present invention each of said dampers maycomprises a respective loop connector; if desired or necessary at leastone of said loop connectors may be a slippage connector

As may be appreciated a bobbin element may be incorporated into aventilation apparatus, device or system in any suitable or desiredmanner keeping in mind its purpose i.e. to act a kind of reel component.It may thus be connected (directly or indirectly) to a support structure(e.g. of a ventilation device or apparatus) for facilitating the windingup and paying (i.e. unwinding) out said flexible loop member.

In accordance with another aspect the present invention provides atemperature actuatable damper (for use with an air handling system, e.g.apparatus, device, etc. e.g. a ventilation system), said dampercomprising

-   -   a choker damper component and    -   an actuator component for connecting the choker damper component        to a support for inducing the damper component to be displaced        (e.g. pivoted) between a first position and a second position,        said actuator component comprising a temperature responsive        actuator element configured to pivotally (i.e. rotationally)        displace the choker damper component in response to ambient air        temperature about said temperature actuator element, between a        first position and a second position, said first and second        positions falling within a range consisting of a position in an        air flow path wherein the choker damper component presents a        predetermined maximum constriction position (e.g. large        impediment) and a position in the air flow path wherein the        choker damper component presents a predetermined minimum        constriction position (small impediment).

The present invention in accordance with a further aspect provides adamper assembly (for use with an air handling system, e.g. apparatus,device, etc. e.g. a ventilation system), said damper assembly comprising

-   -   a base damper component comprising a damper plate have a broad        side face and a pivot connect component for pivotally (i.e.        rotational) connecting the damper plate to a support, and an        actuator connector for connecting the damper plate to an        actuation component for inducing the damper plate to be        displaced (i.e. pivoted) between a first position and a second        position    -   a choker damper component comprising a pair of opposed broad        side faces (i.e. a plate)    -   and a temperature responsive pivot component pivotally attaching        or connecting the choker damper component to said broad side        face of the base damper component        said pivot component being configured to pivotally (i.e.        rotationally) displace the choker damper component in response        to ambient air temperature about said pivot component, between a        first position and a second position, said first and second        positions falling within (i.e. being selected from) a range        consisting of a position wherein the broad side faces of the        choker component are disposed (e.g. at least substantially)        parallel to said broad side face of the base damper component        and a position wherein the broad side faces of the choker        component are disposed transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to said        broad side face of the base damper component.

The present invention in accordance with an additional aspect providesin a ventilation system or apparatus, for exchanging air between theinterior and exterior of an enclosed space (i.e. of a building, room orthe like), said ventilation system or apparatus having a fresh air pathmeans defining a fresh air path for a flow of fresh air between a freshair intake and a fresh air discharge,

-   -   and an exhaust air path component defining a fresh air path for        a flow of fresh air between an exhaust air intake and an exhaust        air discharge    -   the improvement wherein, said system comprises        -   a first choker damper associated with said fresh air path            component        -   a second choker damper associated with said exhaust air path            component        -   a pivot interconnect component interconnecting said first            and second choker dampers such that said first and second            choker dampers are simultaneously displaceable between a            respective first position and a respective second position;            and        -   a temperature responsive choker actuation means attached to            the pivot interconnect component such that said choker            actuation means can displace the choker dampers between said            first and said second positions, (e.g. in response to the            temperature of the environment, e.g. in reaction to the            temperature of the air flowing over the choke).

In another aspect the invention allows for the temperature reactivechoke system mechanism for use with a ventilation system for attenuating(e.g. blocking) a flow of air flowing within an air path defined by thesystem.

The present invention in accordance with another aspect provides in aventilation system or apparatus, for exchanging air between the interiorand exterior of an enclosed space (i.e. of a building, room or thelike), said ventilation system or apparatus having

-   -   a fresh air path means defining a fresh air path for a flow of        fresh air between a fresh air intake and a fresh air discharge,    -   the improvement wherein said fresh air path means comprises        -   a choker damper component for providing a region in the            fresh air path of temperature variable (i.e. constrictable)            cross-sectional area    -   and a pivot component,    -   said choker damper component comprising a pair of opposed broad        side faces (i.e. a plate),    -   said pivot component comprising a temperature responsive        actuator element configured to pivotally (i.e. rotationally)        displace the choker component, in response to ambient air        temperature about said temperature actuator element, between a        first position and a second position, said first and second        positions falling within a range consisting of a position        wherein the broad side faces of the choker component are        disposed (substantially) parallel to the flow of fresh air and a        position wherein the broad side faces of the choker component        are disposed transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to the flow of        fresh air.

In accordance with the present invention a temperature actuator elementmay comprises a bimetallic spring.

It is to be understood herein that a temperature responsive actuatorelement, component, or member, a temperature responsive pivot component,element or member and the like, etc., as described herein, may take any(known) form keeping in mind its purpose, namely to displace or inhibitdisplacement of a damper in response to the temperature of theenvironment, (e.g. in reaction to the temperature of the air flowingover the (choke) damper.

Hooking or Connector System

Statement of Invention

Thus this aspect of the invention generally provides a connector device(e.g. of metal or other analogous strong material) for connectingtogether a first element (e.g. of a relatively friable material ascompared to the material of the connector device) and a second element(e.g. if desired or necessary also of a relatively (the same ordifferent) friable material as compared to the material of the connectordevice), said connector device comprising.

-   -   a first hook member (e.g. a U shaped end) and    -   a second (opposed or distal) engagement or locking assembly        (e.g. a tail end) extending from the first hook member        the hook member being adapted or configured to mate with or        engage a correspondingly configured portion of the first element        the engagement assembly being adapted or configured to secure        the hook member to the second element.

In accordance with the present invention a connector device as describedherein may be one wherein the second (opposed or distal) engagementassembly also comprises a second hook member (e.g. a U shaped end).

The present invention in particular provides a connector device forconnecting together a first element and a second element, said firstelement comprising a relatively friable material as compared to thematerial of the connector device, said connector device comprising.

-   -   a first U-shaped hook member comprising a pair of opposed arm        elements, each arm element being provided with an opening for        receiving therethrough the threaded stem of a screw member        comprising a head connected to said threaded stem; one opening        being sized smaller than said screw head, the other opening        being configured and sized to engage the threads of said stem        and    -   a second tail engagement member extending from an arm of the        first U-shaped hook member hook member, said tail engagement        member being configured to secure the hook member to the second        element.

The (opposed or distal) locking assembly (e.g. a tail end) extendingfrom the hook member may have any desired or necessary means forattachment to the second element. It may for example be provided withscrew attachment opening means for screw engagement with screw stalk ofa screw attachment device.

Air Diffuser for Facilitating the Mixing of Fresh Air and Stale AirFlows of Different Temperature

Statement of Invention

This aspect of the invention relates to an air diffuser or dispersermeans whereby a first air stream or flow may be intermingeled with asecond air stream or flow. This aspect of the present invention may inparticular exploit or be used with a temperature actuatable choke typedamper as described herein; namely, a choke damper component associatedwith a temperature responsive actuator element configured and disposedso as to inhibit air flow through an air path with which the chokedamper is associated. Thus for example, if the temperature of the (e.g.fresh) air flowing through the air path falls or is below apredetermined level the temperature responsive actuator element may beso configured such that it is able to tend to urge or maintain thechoker in a predetermined second (e.g. closed) position so as to inhibitsuch cold air flow through the air path.

Thus in accordance with this air intermingling aspect the presentinvention provides an air intermingling assembly for an air handlingsystem (e.g. apparatus, device etc.; e.g. a ventilation system) forexchanging air between the interior and exterior of an enclosed space(i.e. of a building, room or the like) wherein fresh air flow from theexterior of the enclosure is intermingled with stale air flow from theinterior of the enclosure to form a combined air flow for delivery backto the interior of the enclosure, said air intermingling assemblycomprising

-   -   an air input zone for receiving the fresh air flow,    -   an air intermingling zone for receiving the stale air flow and    -   an intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zone comprising a        plurality of spaced apart apertures for providing for air        communication between said air input zone and said air        intermingling zone such that the fresh air flow is able pass        through said apertures into said air intermingling zone to        intermingle with the stale air flow so as to form a combined        (i.e. mixed) air flow.

In accordance with the present invention an air intermingling assemblyis provided wherein said intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zonemay comprises a first aperture region and a second aperture region, saidfirst region comprising a higher number of apertures than said secondregion whereby air flow through the apertures of the first region isrelatively higher than air flow through the second region, and said airintermingling zone comprises a stale air flow inlet disposed adjacentsaid first aperture region.

In accordance with the present invention an air intermingling assemblyis provided wherein said air intermingling zone comprises a stale airflow inlet and wherein said intermediate air dispersal zone comprises anaperture zone of highest concentration of apertures adjacent said staleair flow inlet.

In accordance with the present invention an air intermingling assemblyis provided wherein said intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zonecomprises a heat transfer insolation body, said insolation body definingsaid apertures.

Thus in accordance with this air intermingling aspect the presentinvention provides an air distribution or diffuser assembly for use witha ventilation or similar device for the mixing of at least two air flows(e.g. of different temperature), comprising a diffuser body providedwith air diffusion openings or apertures for the passage of air from one(e.g. broad) side of the body to the opposed (e.g. broad) side of thebody, the diffuser body and in particular the apertures or openingsbeing configured so that the diffuser body has at least one region whichprovides therethrough a (relatively) high air flow rate and at least oneother region which provides therethrough a (relatively) low(er) or morerestricted air flow rate.

More particularly, in accordance with this intermingling aspect of thepresent invention an air handling system (e.g. apparatus, device, etc.)may provided which may be configured, for example, to provide arelatively controlled mixing of cold fresh air with warm humid interiorstale air (i.e. with a view to avoiding for example frost or iceformation in the immediate vicinity of air mixing). The control may, forexample, be accomplished by the provision in the diffuser body of apattern of apertures or holes which interconnect (for air communicationbetween) opposite broad faces thereof, the holes therein beingconfigured and positioned so as to provide a concentration of openingsvarying in density (e.g. density=no. of holes per unit area) from oneend or side of the diffuser to the opposed end thereof The apertures orholes may be of the same or different cross-section. The diffuser may beconsidered to have the aspect of a grate wherein the openings arepatterned to influence air flow therethrough. The control mayalternatively be provided by varying the thickness of the diffuser ordispenser body such that the apertures or holes may be of the of thesame or different length; the control may of course be affected by holesof varying cross section and length keeping in mind th purpose of thediffuser body. Alternatively, the diffuser body on the fresh air sidemay be associated with suitable baffling means whereby an elongatedserpentine channel is defined, the floor of which defines the abovemention apertures. The floor of such serpentine channel may have anaperture density near the air inlet lower than the aperture density ofthe distal end of the channel, the input of the stale air being disposedadjacent the distal end of the channel on the other side of the diffuserbody.

In any event the diffuser or dispenser zone (e.g. dispenser or diffuserbody) and optionally the air input zone and/or intermingling zone are tobe configured so as to provide the desired graduated (i.e. gradual)intermingling of the first air stream with a second air stream. Inparticular it would be advantageous to configure the dispenser zone(e.g. dispenser or diffuser body) and optionally the air input zoneand/or intermingling zone so as to allow the mixing of a cold (andpossibly dry) air stream with a hot (and possibly humid) air stream suchthat (for a predetermined given set of temperature conditions) theintermingling streams of air provide an intermingled air flow has atemperature above the freezing point of water and in particular abovethe dew point (and the freezing point) of water. By doing so thisinvention can mix these two airstreams without causing any condensation,snow or ice buildup notwithstanding input air flow stream temperaturesand humidity.

As mentioned above it would further be advantageous to be able toassociate with an air intermingling means a temperature responsive meansable to choke off (once a predetermined cut-off fresh air temperature isreached, e.g. a too low outside air temperature) the inflow of a first(i.e. fresh air) air flow to the intermingling means and the out flow ofa second (stale air) air flow with respect to an enclosure (e.g.dwelling), namely once a predetermined air inflow temperature is reachedfresh air inflow and stale air exhaust (i.e. outflow from an enclosure)is inhibited or stopped outright (e.g. stale air may be merely recycledback to an enclosure without any added fresh air).

Thus the present invention in accordance with another aspect provides achoker damper assembly for an air handling system comprising an airintermingling component comprises an air input zone and an airintermingling zone wherein the air input zone is associated with a freshair input component and the air intermingling zone is associated with astale air inputs component, said stale air input component comprising afirst stale air input element for providing air communication with anexhaust outlet for exhausting stale air and a second stale air inputelement for providing air communication with said intermingling zone,said choker damper assembly comprising

-   -   a first choker damper associated with said fresh air input        component    -   a second choker damper associated with said first stale air        input element    -   a pivot interconnect component interconnecting said first and        second choker dampers such that said first and second choker        dampers are simultaneously displaceable between a respective        first open position and a respective second closed position;    -   a biasing component biasing said choker dampers in respective        second closed positions, said biasing component being configured        such that the choker dampers are able to be induced to pass from        respective second closed positions to respective first open        positions; and    -   a temperature responsive choker inhibition element attached to        the pivot interconnect component such that said choker actuation        means can inhibit displacement of the choker dampers between        said first and said second positions, (e.g. in response to the        temperature of the environment, e.g. in reaction to the        temperature of the air flowing over the choke). In accordance        with the present invention the choker damper assembly may be        associated with any type of (known) air intermingling means but        in particular with an air intermingling assembly as described        herein, namely an air intermingling component which additionally        comprises an intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zone as        described herein.

Thus the present invention in accordance with a further aspect providesan air intermingling assembly wherein the air input zone is associatedwith a fresh air input component and said intermingling zone isassociated with a stale air input component, said stale air inputcomponent comprising a first stale air input element for providing aircommunication with an exhaust outlet for exhausting stale air and asecond stale air input element for providing air communication with saidintermingling zone, and wherein said air intermingling assemblycomprises

-   -   a first choker damper associated with said fresh air input        component    -   a second choker damper associated with said first stale air        input element    -   a pivot interconnect component interconnecting said first and        second choker dampers such that said first and second choker        dampers are simultaneously displaceable between a respective        first open position and a respective second closed position;    -   a biasing component biasing said choker dampers in respective        second closed positions, said biasing component being configured        such that the choker dampers are able to be induced to pass from        respective second closed positions to respective first open        positions; and    -   a temperature responsive choker inhibition element attached to        the pivot interconnect component such that said choker actuation        means can inhibit displacement of the choker dampers between        said first and said second positions, (e.g. in response to the        temperature of the environment, e.g. in reaction to the        temperature of the air flowing over the choke).        Single Blower Wheel Assembly Provided with a First and a Second        Blower Wheel Elements

In accordance with the present invention it is proposed to provide arelatively compact blower assembly wherein, while the first and secondblower wheels are mounted on a common rotor shaft (e.g. to be rotated byan electric motor), the blower wheels are disposed adjacent to eachother such that the blower assembly may be incorporated into a compactair handling system (e.g. ventilation apparatus). In this case thebaffle must have an opening sized to accommodate such a large rotatablestructure which may lead to undesired air leakage between fresh andstale air paths.

This (blower) aspect of the invention thus provides a dynamic sealmember for use with a blower assembly and baffle.

Statement of Invention

Thus the present invention generally provides a blower wheel assemblyfor use with an airflow baffle having a baffle opening. The assembly maycomprisie a dynamic seal member, a first blower wheel,

-   -   (and if desired a second blower wheel) and a rotor (e.g.        (electric) motor provided with a single motor shaft). The        dynamic seal member having an outer peripheral edge provided        with a peripheral lip or peripheral groove (e.g. the lip or        groove extending parallel to, perpendicular to or transversely        to the axis of rotation of the motor shaft). The first blower        wheel (and the second blower wheel if present) is (are)        coaxially attached or mounted to the rotor shaft (e.g. adjacent        to each other, if two wheels are present). The dynamic seal        member, the first blower wheel (and if present the second blower        wheel) being sized and configured such that the dynamic seal        member is disposed between the first and second blowers such        that the lip or groove thereof is able to dynamically mate or        cooperate with a corresponding lip, groove or edge portion of a        peripheral edge of the baffle opening so as to provide a dynamic        seal between opposite sides of the baffle (i.e. to provide an        air (flow) seal between the opposite sides of the baffle when        the blower(s) is (are) rotated) and such that the first blower        wheel is disposes on one side of the baffle and the second        blower wheel, if present, is disposed on the other opposite side        of the baffle.

In accordance with the present invention the blower wheels may eachhaving an outer peripheral edge. These outer edges may (independently)be disposed inwardly or outwardly of the peripheral edge of the dynamicseal. If desired, one of the peripheral edges of a blower may beconfigured to take on the function of the dynamic seal.

The dynamic seal member (if an independent member) may be independentlyattached to or mounted to the motor shaft. Alternatively the dynamicseal may instead be attached to one of or both of the blowers.

The present invention in particular provides a blower wheel assembly foruse with an airflow baffle having an inner peripheral edge defining abaffle opening, the assembly comprising a dynamic seal member (e.g.ring, annular, disk shaped member), a first blower wheel, and a secondblower wheel, the blower wheels being juxtaposed (e.g. adjacent to eachother) and coaxially attached to a rotor shaft on opposite sides of thedynamic seal member, the dynamic seal member having an outer peripheraledge (provided with a peripheral lip or peripheral groove (e.g. the lipor groove extending parallel to, perpendicular to or transversely to theaxis of rotation of the rotor shaft)),

-   -   the dynamic seal member, the first blower wheel and the second        blower wheel being sized and configured such that when the        blower wheel assembly is disposed in the baffle opening and the        outer peripheral edge is in juxtaposed relation to the inner        peripheral edge of the baffle,        -   the first blower wheel is disposed on one side of the baffle            and the second blower wheel is disposed on the other            opposite side of the baffle and        -   the outer peripheral edge is able to dynamically cooperate            with the inner peripheral edge of the baffle so as to            provide a dynamic seal between opposite sides of the baffle            (i.e. to provide an air (flow) seal between the opposite            sides of the baffle when the blowers are rotated).

In accordance with the present invention a blower wheel assembly asdefined may be one wherein one of the blower wheels (e.g. the peripheraledge thereof) is configured to act as said dynamic seal member.

In accordance with the present invention a blower wheel assembly asdefined herein may comprise a (electric) motor provided with a singlemotor shaft, said motor shaft being said rotor shaft.

In accordance with another aspect the present invention provides aventilation system or apparatus, for exchanging air between the interiorand exterior of a building, for transferring heat from exhaust air takenfrom the building to fresh air taken from the exterior ambient air fordelivery to the building, and wherein air from the interior of thebuilding is used as defrost air to defrost the ventilation apparatus,(such as for example described herein and in particular in U.S. Pat. No.5,193,610, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference).

The ventilation system or apparatus having

-   -   a fresh air path means having a fresh air intake side and a        fresh air discharge side,    -   an exhaust air path means having an exhaust air intake side and        an exhaust air discharge side, and    -   optionally, if desired or necessary a heat exchanger means        comprising or consisting of heat recovery means for the transfer        of heat between exhaust air and fresh air, said heat recovery        means comprising one or more air-to-air heat exchanger elements        (see FIGS. 1 to 4),    -   wherein said system or apparatus includes a fan component for        moving fresh air through said fresh air path means and for        moving exhaust air through said exhaust air path means, said fan        component comprising one motor and two blower wheels operatively        connected thereto, said fresh air path means including one said        blower wheel and said exhaust path means including the other        said blower wheel,    -   the improvement wherein said fan component comprises the blower        wheel assembly and airflow baffle as defined herein and wherein        the airflow baffle separates a portion of said fresh air path        means from said exhaust air path means such that the first        blower wheel is disposed on a side of the baffle forming part of        the fresh air path means and the second blower wheel is disposed        on the other opposite side of the baffle forming part of the        exhaust air path means.

As used herein the expression “dynamic seal” is to be understood asreferring to the contorted pathway inhibiting the passage of air duringrotation of the blower assembly about the axis of rotation of the rotorshaft.

This (blower) aspect of the invention thus provides a dynamic sealmember for use with a blower assembly and baffle, the baffle comprisinga baffle opening and the blower assembly comprising one or two blowerwheels mounted to the same rotor (i.e. motor) shaft. Air sealing betweendifferent air paths is provided during rotation of the blower wheel(s).The corresponding peripheral edges of the dynamic seal member and thebaffle opening are spaced apart and configured so as to provide an air(flow) seal (i.e. contorted air pathway) between the opposite sides ofthe baffle when the blower(s) is (are) rotated.

The dynamic seal member may take any desired form keeping in mind itspurpose thus the dynamic seal member may be an independent element ormay form part of a blower wheel (e.g. the peripheral edge of the firstor second blower) and the like.

Mounting Port

Statement of Invention

Thus the present invention provides in an air opening element of airhandling (e.g. a ventilation) system (e.g. apparatus) the improvementwherein the opening element comprises a sealing projection or groove forcooperating with a corresponding projection or groove of a port mountingelement for (air tight) seal mating therewith (i.e. for air tight sealconnection of the port to the opening element).

Thus the present invention provides in a mounting port for an airopening element of an air handling (e.g. a ventilation) system (e.g.apparatus, device, etc.) comprising a side wall member defining an airaperture or opening, the side wall member having an air input portion orend and an air output portion or end,

-   -   the air input end having a connection element for cooperating        with a corresponding connection element of an air duct member        for connecting the air duct to the mounting port, the air output        end having a connection element for cooperating with a        corresponding connection element of an (air) opening element        (e.g. of a ventilation system or device) for connection of the        port to the (air) opening element, the improvement wherein the        output end is provided with a sealing projection or groove for        cooperating with a corresponding projection or groove of the        opening element for seal (e.g. air tight) mating therewith (i.e.        for air tight seal connection of the port to the opening means).

The present invention in particular provides in a quick connect mountingport for an air opening element of air handling (e.g. a ventilation)system (e.g. apparatus) comprising a side wall member defining an airaperture or opening, the side wall member having an air input portion orend and an air output portion or end,

-   -   the air input end having snap connection element (e.g. male or        female) for cooperating with a corresponding snap connection        element (e.g. male or female) of an air duct member for        connecting the air duct to the mounting port,    -   the air output end having snap connection element (e.g. male or        female) for cooperating with a corresponding snap connection        element (e.g. male or female) of an (air) opening element (e.g.        of a ventilation system or device) for connection of the port to        the (air) opening element, the improvement wherein the output        portion is provided with a sealing projection or groove for        cooperating with a corresponding projection or groove of the        opening element for seal (e.g. air tight) mating therewith (i.e.        for air tight seal connection of the port to the opening        element).

The present invention in a further aspect provides in a mounting portfor an air opening element of an air handling (e.g. a ventilation)system (e.g. apparatus) comprising a side wall member defining an airaperture or opening, the side wall member having an air input portion orend and an air output portion or end,

-   -   the air input end having a snap connection element for        cooperating with a corresponding snap connection element of an        air duct member for connecting the air duct to the mounting        port,    -   the air output end having a connection element for cooperating        with a corresponding connection element of an (air) opening        element (e.g. of a ventilation system or device) for connection        of the port to the (air) opening element, the improvement        wherein the input end is provided with a base mounting member        and one or more mounting members for connection to ducts of        successively smaller size.

In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the various aspectsof the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of airflow through a known integratedsupply and exhaust ventilator system or apparatus without sensible heatexchanger or desiccant exchanger (i.e. without any transfer of watermoisture and sensible heat);

FIG. 2 is schematic illustration of airflow through a known integratedsupply and exhaust ventilator system or apparatus with sensible heatexchanger and/or desiccant exchanger (i.e. with transfer of watermoisture and sensible heat);

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of airflow through an exampleembodiment of an integrated supply and exhaust ventilator system orapparatus of the present invention without sensible heat exchanger ordesiccant exchanger (i.e. transfer of water moisture and sensible heat);

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of airflow through an exampleembodiment of an integrated supply and exhaust ventilator system orapparatus of the present invention with sensible heat exchanger and/ordesiccant exchanger (i.e. with transfer of water moisture and sensibleheat);

FIG. 5 is a front view of a known ventilation apparatus as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,193,610 with the front door of the cabinet removed;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the known ventilation apparatus shown in FIG. 5with the rear wall of the cabinet removed;

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic rear view of the ventilation apparatusshown in FIG. 6, with the rear wall removed, in the ventilationconfiguration;

FIG. 8 is a partial schematic front view of the ventilation apparatusshown in FIG. 5, with the front door removed, in the ventilationconfiguration;

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic rear view of the ventilation apparatusshown in FIG. 6, with the rear wall removed, in the defrostconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic front view of the ventilation apparatusshown in FIG. 5, with the front door removed, in the defrostconfiguration;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a known motorized assemblyfor the displacement of a defrost damper member for a ventilationapparatus as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 comprising a tie rod for connectingthe motor to the damper;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective schematic illustration of an exampleembodiment of a self aligning damper system in accordance with thepresent invention associated with an electric motor, neither theflexible elongated damper interconnection element nor the ventilationapparatus structure with which the system may be associated being shown;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 12 showing the end thereof in rotatableengagement with respective support elements;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional schematic illustration of the bobbinelement and motor of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 12 showing theends of the bobbin element in rotatbel engagement with respectivesupport members;

FIG. 15 is a side schematic illustration of the motor of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a front schematic illustration of the motor of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 12 facing the motor rotor;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment as shown in FIG. 12 but with a single piece exampleembodiment of the flexible elongated damper interconnection element inthe form of a flexible wire threaded through the aperture of the bobbinelement;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment as shown in FIG. 12 but with a two piece example embodimentof the flexible elongated damper interconnection element, each piecebeing connected to a respective take-up element;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment as shown in FIG. 12 but with a single piece exampleembodiment of the flexible elongated damper interconnection element inthe form of a flexible loop threaded through the aperture of the bobbinelement;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment as shown in FIG. 19 but wherein the damper connector includesa spring connected to one end of the flexible elongated damperinterconnection element;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective schematic illustration of the exampleembodiment as shown in FIG. 18 but wherein each damper connectorincludes a spring connected to one end of a respective piece of theflexible elongated damper interconnection element;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged schematic illustration showing the damperconnector connection to one end of the flexible elongated damperinterconnection elements of FIGS. 17, 18, and 19;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged schematic illustration showing the spring typedamper connector connection to one end of the flexible elongated damperinterconnection elements of FIGS. 20 and 21;

FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate in schematic fashion the winding up of a wireloop so as to displace the damper components from a first position (FIG.24) to a second position (FIG. 26), the winding up proceeding with oneof the dampers being prematurely brought to the second position (FIG.25) before the other and the slippage of the wire loop flights as theyare continued to be wound up until the misaligned damper is also broughtinto the final second position;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of aself aligning damper system wherein the bobbin element is engaged to oneend of the flexible elongated damper interconnection element;

FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of another alternate embodiment ofa self aligning damper system wherein displacement flexible elongateddamper interconnection element is accomplished by a linear drivingmember rather than a rotational driving member;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a pair of damper elements inrespective first position as associated with an air ventilation device,the displacement component of the self aligning damper system not beingshown;

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of a pair of damper elements inrespective second positions as associated with an air ventilationdevice, the displacement component of the self aligning damper systemnot being shown;

FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic perspective side view of an exampleembodiment of a two part damper in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded perspective side view of the example twopart damper shown in FIG. 31 in the process of being assembled;

FIG. 33 is a side view of an example embodiment of a temperatureresponsive bimetallic spring actuator;

FIG. 34 is a perspective side view of the example embodiment of atemperature responsive bimetallic spring actuator shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 illustrates in schematic fashion the two part damper disposed inan air path (structure defining air path not shown) wherein thetemperature of the ambient air is such that the choke damper does notimpede air flow (i.e. a minimal air flow constraint is presented by thechoke damper);

FIG. 36 illustrates in schematic fashion the two part damper disposed inan air path (structure defining air path not shown) wherein thetemperature of the ambient air is such that the choke damper doespresent a partial impediment to air flow (i.e. an intermediate air flowconstraint is presented by the choke damper);

FIG. 37 illustrates in schematic fashion the two part damper disposed inan air path (structure defining air path not shown) wherein thetemperature of the ambient air is such that the choke damper doespresent a maximal impediment to air flow (i.e. a maximal air flowconstraint is presented by the choke damper);

FIG. 38 is a left perspective side view of one side of an exampleembodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a rear view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 a side view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3 8;

FIG. 41 is a schematic partial cut away side view of a connector of FIG.38 wherein the U-shaped portion is in engagement with a housingstructure comprising friable material;

FIG. 42 is a schematic partial cut away view from the inside of thehousing structure the connector as shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a schematic cross sectional view of an example airintermingling assembly in accordance with the present invention whereinthe intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zone is provided with aplurality of evenly spaced apertures;

FIG. 44 is a schematic cross sectional view of another example airintermingling assembly in accordance with the present invention whereinthe intermediate air dispenser or dispersal zone is provided with aplurality of spaced apertures distributed so as to provide n aperturepattern comprising a first aperture region and a second aperture region,the first region comprising a higher number of apertures than saidsecond region;

FIG. 44 a is a schematic cross sectional view of an example airintermingling assembly along the lines of the assembly shown in FIG. 44illustrating the graduated fresh air flow through the apertures of thedispenser zone which diminish starting from the high number of aperturesadjacent the stale air inlet;

FIG. 45 is a side schematic perspective view of a substantial portion ofan example air intermingling assembly for a ventilation system orapparatus for exchanging air between the interior and exterior of anenclosed space (i.e. of a building, room or the like), including anexploded view of an example choker damper assembly;

FIG. 46 is a side schematic perspective view of the example airintermingling assembly as shown in FIG. 45 wherein arrows show the inputair flow to the air input vessel component, exhaust stale air outflowfor being exhausted and stale air input to the intermingling compartmentcomponent;

FIG. 47 an underside schematic perspective view of the example airintermingling assembly as shown in FIG. 45 wherein arrows how the inputair flow to the air input vessel component, exhaust stale air outflowfor being exhausted and stale air input to the intermingling compartmentcomponent;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged schematic view of the first choker damperassociated with said fresh air input component in a biased closedposition;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged schematic view of the first choker damperassociated with said fresh air input component in an open position dueto the influence of fresh air flow (i.e. induced by appropriate fan orblower means not shown);

FIG. 50 is an enlarged schematic partial sectional view through thetemperature response actuator means wherein the outer projection isshown in a non-inhibiting position with respect to the closed positionof the choker damper;

FIG. 51 is an enlarged schematic partial perspective showing thetemperature response actuator means of FIG. 50 wherein the outerprojection is shown in an inhibiting position with respect to the closedposition of the choker damper;

FIG. 52 is a schematic illustration of an known blower wheel assemblyassociated with a motor and baffle elements;

FIG. 52 a is a schematic illustration of an example blower wheelassembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a more detailed schematic illustration of the blower wheelassembly shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an example air ventilation housing towhich are connected example embodiments of quick connect mounting portsin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view from below of a quick connect mountingport in accordance with the present invention showing an oval shapedsealing projection;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view from above of an opening element of an airventilation apparatus showing an oval shaped groove for sealingengagement with te sealing projection shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a schematic partial cross sectional view of a mounting portin position for engagement of its sealing projection with the groove ofthe opening element; and

FIG. 58 is a perspective exploded view of a mounting port being inposition for engagement with a mounting sealing plate in turn inposition for engagement with an opening element larger than initiallydesigned for the mounting port.

VENTILATION METHOD

Referring to FIG. 1, this figure illustrates a known integrated freshair supply and exhaust air ventilator system which exploits an air flowpre-mixing stage 2 wherein a fresh air flow 4 drawn from outside of anenclosure (e.g. dwelling, not shown), is mixed with a stale air flow 6drawn from within the enclosure so as to produce a resultingintermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 8 which as may be seen is acombination of the total of the stale and fresh air flows. The soobtained total intermingled (i.e. mixed) air flow 8 is then passedthrough an air filter or purifier stage 10 so as to obtain a filteredintermingled air flow 12.

After the air filtering/purifying stage the filtered intermingled airflow 12 is passed through a blower assembly 14 to an upstream airsplitting stage 16 wherein the filtered intermingled air flow 12 isdivided into an exhaust (treated-filtered) air flow portion 18 forexhaustion outside of the enclosure and a treated (i.e. filtered) airflow supply 20 for delivery into the enclosure (e.g. dwelling).

Although the illustrated ventilation system does introduce fresh airfrom outside of an enclosure into the enclosure, the main drawback withthis known system is that part of treated (i.e. filtered) air isexhausted outside the enclosure (e.g. dwelling). This reduces theefficiency of the filtering/purifying capability of the system for theenclosure (e.g. dwelling).

Referring to FIG. 2 this figure illustrates in schematic fashion amodified known integrated supply and exhaust ventilator system. There isa fresh air inflow 22 from the exterior of the enclosure and a stale airinflow 24 from the interior of the enclosure; there is also a treatedair outflow 26 to the enclosure and an exhaust air outflow 28 to theexterior of the enclosure. The modified system includes a heat exchangeor transfer stage 30, such as for example an air-to-air sensible heatexchanger and/or desiccant exchanger (i.e. for the air-to air transferof water moisture and/or sensible heat). The system also exploits an airflow pre-mixing stage 32 wherein the heat treated fresh air flow 34 ismixed with the stale air flow 24 so as to produce a resultingintermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 36 which as may be seen is acombination of the total of the stale and fresh air flows. The soobtained total intermingled (i.e. mixed) air flow 36 is then passedthrough an air filter or purifier stage 38 so as to obtain a filteredintermingled air flow 40. After the air filtering/purifying stage thefiltered intermingled air flow 40 is passed through a blower assembly 42to an upstream air splitting stage 44 wherein the filtered intermingledair flow 40 is divided into an exhaust (treated filtered) air flowportion 46 and the treated (i.e. filtered) air flow supply 26 fordelivery into the enclosure (e.g. dwelling).

As may be seen the heat exchange or transfer stage 30 provides for aheat exchange or transfer between the fresh air inflow 22 and theexhaust air flow portion 46 to produce the heat treated outflow 28.

This type of known heat exchange system has a drawback in addition tothe drawback discussed above with respect to the system illustrated inFIG. 1. The efficiency of this illustrated known heat exchange system isreduced since a portion of the fresh airflow is subjected to a secondheat exchange treatment, namely, the portion of the fresh airflowassociated with the exhaust air portion is again subjected to heatexchange prior to being exhausted.

Referring to FIG. 3, this figure shows in schematic fashion an exampleembodiment of a integrated supply and exhaust ventilator system inaccordance with the present invention. In general as may be seen thefresh air pre-mixing stage 48 and the stale air splitting stage 50 areboth disposed downstream of the air filter or purifier stage 52. Thesystem illustrated employs two blower assemblies 54 and 56 which arerespectively disposed on the upstream sides of the fresh air pre-mixingstage 48 and stale air splitting stage 50; one or both of the blowerscould of course be disposed on the downstream sides of the fresh airpre-mixing stage 48 and stale air splitting stage 50. Thus as may beseen a stale air flow stream 58 is delivered to the stale air splittingstage 50 which divides the air flow into an exhaust (untreated) air flowportion 60 for exhaustion (via a blower assembly 56) directly outside ofthe enclosure and a stale airflow portion 62 for delivery to the freshair pre-mixing stage 48 wherein the fresh air flow 64 from outside ofthe enclosure is intermingled (e.g. mixed) with the stale airflowportion to provide an untreated intermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 68.The untreated intermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 68 is then passedthrough the air filter or purifier stage 52 so as to obtain a filteredintermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 70 which is then passed through theblower assembly 54 into the enclosure (e.g. dwelling). The fresh airpre-mixing stage 48 and stale air splitting stage 50 may take anydesired or known form; they may for example take the form of the airintermingling assembly as described herein.

An advantage with this new system is that the stale air is exhausted tothe outside of the enclosure to outside without any prior air treatment.Additionally fresh air from outside is added to the stale air to betreated (i.e. filtered) just before the filter/purification process.Therefor only the necessary airflow is treated (i.e. filtered) priordistribution in the dwelling.

Referring to FIG. 4 this figure illustrates in schematic fashion amodified version in accordance with the present invention of theintegrated supply and exhaust ventilator system as shown in FIG. 3:There is a fresh air inflow 72 from the exterior of the enclosure and astale air inflow 74 from the interior of the enclosure; there is also atreated air outflow 76 to the enclosure and a heat treated exhaust airoutflow 78 to the exterior of the enclosure. The modified systemincludes a heat exchange or transfer stage 80, such as for example anair-to-air sensible heat exchanger and/or desiccant exchanger (i.e. forthe air-to air transfer of water moisture and/or sensible heat). Thesystem has a fresh air pre-mixing stage 82 and a stale air splittingstage 84 which are both disposed downstream of the air filter orpurifier stage 86. The system illustrated employs two blower assemblies88 and 90 which are respectively disposed on the upstream sides of thefresh air pre-mixing stage 82 and stale air splitting stage 84. Thus asmay be seen the stale air flow stream 74 is delivered to the stale airsplitting stage 84 which divides the air flow into an exhaust(untreated) air flow portion 92 and a stale airflow portion 94. The airflow portion 92 is delivered to the heat exchange or transfer stage 80for heat transfer with the fresh air inflow 72 to produce the heattreated exhaust air outflow 78 which is exhausted (via a blower assembly88) outside of the enclosure. The stale airflow portion 94 is deliveredto the fresh air pre-mixing stage 82 wherein the heat treated fresh airflow 96 from the heat exchange or transfer stage 80 is intermingled(e.g. mixed) with the stale airflow portion 94 to provide anintermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 98. The intermingled (i.e. a mixed)airflow 98 is then passed through the air filter or purifier stage 86 soas to obtain the filtered intermingled (i.e. a mixed) airflow 76 whichis then passed through the blower assembly 90 into the enclosure (e.g.dwelling). The fresh air pre-mixing stage 82 and stale air splittingstage 84 may take any desired or known form; they may for example takethe form of the air intermingling assembly as described herein.

As may be seen in accordance with the system shown in FIG. 4, the freshair flow is first directed to the heat exchange or transfer stage andthe heat treated fresh air flow leaving the heat exchange stage isdirected to the pre-mixing stage whereas the untreated (i.e. unfiltered)exhaust stale air flow portion prior to exhaustion outside of theenclosure (e.g. dwelling) is directed to the heat exchange or transferstage and the heat treated exhaust stale air flow portion is thendirected outside of the enclosure (e.g. dwelling).

An additional advantage with this new modified system is improvedefficiency since fresh airflow is not subjected to a further heatexchange through the sensible heat exchanger and/or desiccant exchangerstage as part of the exhausted air, i.e. which is the case for thesystem shown in FIG. 2. Thus the size of the sensible heat exchanger ordesiccant exchanger may be reduced as compared to the system depicted inFIG. 2.

The method, system, device etc. for intermingling air may for exampleexploit any known air handling components keeping in mind theirfunction.

Damper System and Auto Activating Choker

Turning to FIGS. 5 to 11 these figures illustrate a prior artventilation apparatus which exploits a pair of dampers 100 and 102 and apair of motor assemblies 104 and 106 for contemporaneous displacementfrom respective first to respective second positions (as shown by thearrows 108 and 110) in order to place the ventilation apparatus inventilation mode or defrost mode. More particularly, FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8show a ventilation configuration wherein the pair of dampers 100 and 102are each in a ventilation configuration; whereas FIG. 9 and 10 show adefrost configuration wherein the dampers 100 and 102 are each in adefrost configuration.

Thus, as may be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, fresh air is confined to the airpath outlined by the arrows 106 on the other hand the exhaust air isconfined to the air path outlined by the arrows 108. On the other handas may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, fresh air is excluded from theapparatus and at the same time, exhaust or stale warm air from theinterior of the building circulates through the apparatus as outlined bythe arrows 110.

The damper members 102 and 104 are for example described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,193,610 (see FIG. 11) as being displaced between the ventilationconfiguration and the defrost configuration by means of a motor 112 androd 114 arrangement which includes a spring member 116 for biasing thedamper members in one configuration, the motor 112 being used todisplace a damper member to the other configuration.

For more details with respect to the ventilation apparatus structurereference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,610 mentioned above.

As mentioned use of tie rods to contemporaneously displace the dampermembers or components requires significant precision. Such initialprecision may be lost over time as the tie rods and other connectedmembers deform due to extended use.

Referring to FIG. 12 to 15 illustrate an example embodiment of a damper(actuation) system in accordance with the present invention, theflexible (i.e. elastic or non-elastic), elongated damper interconnectionelement not being shown (see FIGS. 17 to 23 which illustrate exampleflexible elongated damper interconnection elements for use with thecomponents shown in FIGS. 12 to 15).

The damper (actuation) system comprises two damper elements 118 and 120.The dampers 118 and 120 are each provided with a pair of opposed pinelements 122 for their pivot connection to or engagement withcorresponding pivot engagement members (e.g. openings) defined by thesupport structure of an air handling system such as for example an airventilation device (not shown). A bias spring 124 is associated with apin element of each damper for biasing the dampers in a first position.

The displacement component for displacing the damper elements from arespective first position to a respective second position comprises anintermediate (wind-up) pulley or bobbin element 126. The bobbin element126 is (reversibly) rotatable about an axis of rotation 128; the ends130 and 132 of the bobbin element 126 are configured to rotatably engagewith respective openings of a support element (only one such supportelement 136 is partially shown with such opening 138). The bobbinelement defines an aperture or hole 140. The bobbin element 126comprises a slippage engagement component for slippingly engaging aflexible elongated damper interconnection element. The slippageengagement component shown comprises two take-up elements 142 and 144and the aperture 140. As may be seen the aperture 140 is disposedbetween the take-up elements. Referring to FIGS. 17, 19 and 20, thesefigures illustrate examples of single (piece) flexible elongated damperinterconnection elements (i.e. damper wires 146, 148 and 150) which maybe associated with the bobbin element 126 shown. As may be seen fromFIGS. 17, 19 and 20 the examples 146, 148 and 150 of single (piece)flexible elongated damper interconnection element are (loosely) threadedthrough the aperture 140. Referring in particular to FIG. 19 the damperinterconnection element 148 is a flexible loop shaped damperinterconnection element having a first loop end and a second loop endconnected to respective dampers. The damper interconnection element 148has a first flight side 148 a and an opposed second flight side 148 b.The first and second flight sides are each connected respectively to thefirst and second ends and are each threaded through the aperture.

Referring back to FIGS. 12 and 13 each of the take-up elements 142 and144 has an engagement element 152 and 154 (i.e. rounded cross member)which is provided with curved or rounded surfaces which facilitateslidding or slipping engagement between the up-take elements and theelongated damper interconnection element. As may be appreciated therounded cross members 152 and 154, are to act in the nature of cams, soas to allow the above mentioned single piece elongated damperinterconnection elements (e.g. wire 146, 148 and 150) to slide freely onthe pulley or bobbin 126 when one damper is in its final second positionand the other is not, i.e. the system is able to self align by beingable to take up the slack of the part of the elongated damperinterconnection element attached to the lagging damper. In other wordsif a damper closes before the other, the pulley or bobbin 126 will stillbe able to continue to rotate until the second damper is in itssecond.:position (e.g. is also fully closed). The take-up elements 152and 154 are configured keeping in mind the purpose of slippageengagement component, namely to allow for continued rotation of thebobbin element 126 even if one damper element has reached its secondposition before the other (the exact surface shapes for any particulartype of take up element can be determined by suitable empirical tests orexperiments). With this new system, the possibility of leak due tounequal length of connector rods (mentioned above) may be avoided. Ifdesired or necessary the rounded cross-members may be configured as aroller type element (e.g. roller bearing) so as to be able to rotatealong its longitudinal axis (i.e. to facilitate slippage); or itssurface may be a friction reducing surface (e.g. coated with a frictionreducing material such as Teflon (trademark)).

The pulley or bobbin element 126 may as shown in FIG. 14 be associatedwith a damper motor 160, the bobbin element 126 being directly mountedat or on the end of the damper motor rotor shaft 162; the end 162 of thedamper motor rotor shaft has a square cross section end which is(slidingly) engaged an aperture of corresponding shape in a replaceablesteel insert 163 which is mounted inside the pulley or bobbin element.

Referring again to FIGS. 17, 19 and 20 there is only a one componentlinker linking the two dampers, namely the damper wires 146, 148 and150. Each end of the wires 146, 148 and 150 may for example be securedto a damper as shown in more detail by way of example in FIGS. 22 and23. The wires 146, 148 and 150 may be elastic or non elastic as desiredor necessary. The damper connector may as shown for example in FIG. 23include a spring member 166 one end of which is attached to the end of awire element

Referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, these figures schematically illustratethe sequence of events that occur during operation when one damperelement lags behind the other with respect to its displacement from afirst position to its respective second position. As may be seen, as thewire 146 is wound on the pulley or bobbin element 126 (i.e. taken up bythe take-up elements 142 and 144) this causes the dampers to rotate orpivot toward their second (open) position and finally reach theirrespective second positions, passing through a transition stage (FIG.25) wherein one damper is in its second (open) position before the otherwhich finally reaches its second position with continued rotation of thepulley or bobbin element (FIG. 26). In the first damper position shownin FIG. 24 the dampers close off respective openings in an air handlingapparatus whereas in the second position of FIG. 26 these opening are nolonger blocked by the dampers. As may be appreciated the bobbin element126 may be initiated to rotate in a clockwise or anticlockwise directionto take up the wire 146 so as to urge the dampers to move from theirrespective first to their respective second positions. Once the motor isde-energized the dampers will return to the first position under theinfluence of biasing springs.

Referring to back to FIGS. 18 and 21 these figures illustrate the use ofa two piece elongated interconnection element. As shown each piece 170and 172 ( or 170 a and 172 a) is separately connected at one end thereofto a respective up-take element of the bobbin element. 126 and at theother end thereof to a respective damper connector. For the structuresshown, instead of relying on a slippage characteristic of the bobbinelement 126 to facilitate continued rotation such continued rotation isfacilitated by using elongated interconnection elements which are notonly flexible but are also elastic (i.e. extensible). Thus when onedamper component reaches its first position before the other, theelastic nature of the elongated interconnection elements is such as toallow for the continued rotation of the pulley or bobbin element todisplace the lagging damper element to its second position. If desiredthe elastic quality of the elongated interconnection element may beaugmented by using a damper connector as shown in FIG. 23 which includesa spring.

Referring to FIG. 27, this Figure illustrates an alternate embodimentwherein the rotatable part of the pulley or bobbin element 180 isschematically shown as being attached to one end 182 of the elongatedinterconnection element 184 rather than intermediate the ends of theelongated interconnection element. In this case the elongated element184 is fixed at the other end to one of the damper elements 186 and isslidably (i.e. loosely) threaded though an eye bolt connector 188connected to the other damper 190. Thus as the bobbin element 180rotates to wind up the elongated interconnection element 184, thisaction will pull on the farthest damper 186 causing it to rotate aboutpivot element 192 to the second position 194. At the same time theelongated interconnection element 184 slides through and acts againstthe eye bolt 188 to also rotate the closest damper element 190 down toits second position 196 about pivot element 199.

Referring to FIG. 28, this figure shows a further example embodiment ofthe damper system wherein a linear action induces displacement of thedamper elements 200 and 202. As may be seen the displacement piston 204has a linearly displaceable piston arm 206 (direction of arrow 208)which is provided at its end with an eyelet member 210 through which isslidably (i.e. loosely) threaded the elongated interconnection element212. The elongated interconnection element 212 is fixed at its end tothe dampers 200 and 202 by damper connectors. Thus as the piston arm 206travels downwardly it will push on the elongated interconnection element212 to in turn induce displacement of the damper elements, about theirrespective pivot elements 214 and 216, to respective second positions218 and 220; any travel lag of one damper with respect to the other willbe compensated for by a sliding of the elongated interconnection elementthrough the eyelet until the lagging damper element reaches its secondposition. In this case the elongated interconnection element may beelastic or non elastic as desired or necessary.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a possible use of a damper system of thepresent invention to alter the air flow in an air handling system,namely to alter the direction of air flow. In FIG. 29 there is a freshair flow 224 and a stale air outflow 226; whereas with displacement ofthe damper elements 228 and 230 (see FIG. 30) by the mechanismsdescribed herein (not shown) the inflow of fresh air is blocked whilethe stale air 226 is redirected (e.g. back into an enclosure). Thesystem or apparatus shown in these figures may of course incorporate oneor more of the other aspects of the invention as described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 31, 32, 33 and 34 these illustrate an example twopart embodiment of an automatic temperature responsive air flow chokedamper. The damper comprise a choker damper component 240 and anactuator component for connecting the choker damper component to asupport. In this case the support is a main damper element 244 which mayitself be displaceable between its respective first and secondpositions; the main damper element 244 may be a damper element asdescribed and illustrated with respect to the self aligning dampersystem. The support could of course alternately be the wall of aventilation duct for inducing the damper component to be displaced (i.e.pivoted) between a first position and a second position.

The actuator component comprises a temperature responsive actuatorelement (see also FIGS. 33 and 34) in the form of a torsion bimetallicspring 246 which reacts to temperature variations (may be obtained fromCrest Manufacturing Company Lincoln R.I. USA). The torsion bimetallicspring 246 has an inner projection 248 and an outer projection 250. Theouter projection 250 of the torsion bimetallic spring 246 is directlyattached to the choker damper component 240 by sliding (pressure)engagement with the guide members 252 and held in place by a snapconnect arrangement or by a screw engaged in openings 254 and 256. Theinner projection 248 of the torsion bimetallic spring 246 is on theother hand indirectly attached to the underlying damper element by theslotted rod element 260, the slot 262 of which engages the innerprojection 248. The rod element 260 itself is attached to the damperprojections 264 by screw members 266.

The torsion bimetallic spring 246 winds and unwinds itself undertemperature differences and actuates the choker damper 240, mounteddirectly on top of the damper 244 for restricting the airflowproportionally to the temperature drop, i.e. temperature differential.The bimetallic spring 246 is configured keeping in mind its purpose,i.e. under cold conditions, choking level may be maximum and under hotconditions choking may be turned off). The first and second positionsmay be predetermined empirically so as to define a position in the airflow path wherein the choker damper component presents the desired ornecessary maximum constriction position and a position in the air flowpath wherein the choker damper component presents the desired ornecessary minimum constriction position. This is a mechanical device, sono power is required to control the system.

Referring to 35 to 37 these figures show example dispositions of thechoker damper in response to temperature (the elements defining the airpath within which the choke damper 240 may be associated are not shown;air flow is in the direction of the arrrows); FIG. 35 shows the chokerdamper 240 in a minimum constriction position parallel to the broad faceof the underlying damper 244 (warm air) as well as to air flow. FIG. 36shows the choker the broad face of the underlying damper 244 in anintermediate constriction position with the plate of the choker damper240 disposed transverse to the broad face of the underlying damper 244(cooler air) as well as to the air flow. FIG. 37 shows the choker damper240 in a maximum constriction position with the plate of the chokerdamper 240 disposed perpendicular to the broad face of the underlyingdamper 244 (cold air) as well as the air flow. The displacement of thechoker damper 240 in each case being in response to the temperature ofthe air around the torsion bimetallic spring 246. The torsion bimetallicspring 246 could of course be configured to provide displacementsbetween positions intermediate to that shown in FIGS. 35 and 37

Hooking or Connector System

Referring to FIGS. 38 to 40, these figures illustrate an exampleconnector of the present invention. The connector 270 has a U-shapedhook member 272 comprising a pair of opposed arm members 274 and 276,each arm member being provided with respective (e.g. coaxially aligned)attachment openings 278 and 280. The connector also has a tailengagement member 282 extending from an arm member 280 of the U-shapedhook member. The U-shaped hook member 280 is thus open towards the tailengagement member

The openings 278 and 280 may each be sized to receive the screw threadedstalk or stem 284 (see FIG. 41) of a screw attachment device but aresmaller than the screw head 286 (see FIG. 42). At least one,of theopenings 278 and 280 (i.e. the opening which is opposite the openingwhich will be adjacent the screw head) may be defined by a peripheraledge sized or configured to engage the screw threads of the screw stalkor stem. Both openings 278 and 280 may be unthreaded. However, if sodesired the distal opening not adjacent the screw head may also havemating threads for mating with the threads of the screw stalk.

The opposed arm members 274 and 276 are spaced apart and are connectedtogether by a connecting member 290 so that the U-shaped end defines akind of notch for receiving or seating a portion of the housing elementto which it is to be connected (see FIGS. 41 and 42)

As may be understood from FIGS. 41 and 42 the friable housing elementmay be provided with a hole or an opening 292 through which the U-shapedend may be inserted and then pulled upwardly to seat or mate with aportion of the peripheral edge defining the housing hole.

By way of example the tail engagement member shown has an opening 296configured for receiving a link of a chain suspended from a ceiling,i.e. for supporting the housing element from a ceiling using a plurality(e.g. four) of the connectors. If desired the engagement of theconnector need not be augmented by the above mentioned screw element inwhich case nor screw openings need be provided in the arms of theconnector

The portion of the housing element to be disposed between the opposedarm members of the connectors may have a hole which can be aligned withthe two opening 278 and 286, if present, when in use. Alternatively thescrew connector may simply be screwed through the friable material ofthe housing.

Air Diffuser for Facilitating the Mixing of Fresh Air and Stale AirFlows of Different Temperature

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate in schematic fashion example embodiments ofair intermingling assemblies in accordance with the present invention.Thus the air intermingling assemblies each have an air input zone 300for receiving the fresh air flow, an air intermingling zone 302 forreceiving the stale air flow and an intermediate air dispenser ordispersal zone 304. The air input zone 300 for receiving the fresh airflow may be as shown in the form of an air input vessel having a firstfresh air inlet 306. The air intermingling zone 302 for receiving thestale air flow may on the other hand be in the form of an airintermingling compartment having a second exhaust or stale air inlet 308and a combined (i.e. mixed) air outlet 310. The intermediate airdispenser or dispersal zone 304 may comprise a diffuser body in the formof a common partitioning wall defining a wall component provided with aplurality of apertures (one of which is designated by the referencenumber 312) providing air communication between the inlet andintermingling zones. The apertures 312 for the embodiment of FIG. 43 areshown as being of the same cross sectional configuration and also asbeing evenly spaced apart. The apertures for the embodiment of FIG. 44are on the other hand has (conceptually) at least two zones, namely afirst aperture zone 320 of relatively high(est) density or number ofapertures 312 and a (distal) second zone 322 of reactively fewerapertures or of lower aperture density or concentration, the firstaperture zone 320 being adjacent the stale air inlet 308; theconfiguration of FIG. 44 is a preferred configuration. The embodiment ofFIG. 44 may have a plurality of intermediate zones (illustrated by thedotted line connecting the two zones) between the first and secondaperture zones of (gradually) decreasing aperture concentration in thedirection from the first to the second zones (illustrated by the dottedline connecting the two zones).

In any event as may be seen from FIGS. 43 and 44 the air input vessel,air intermingling compartment and common partitioning wall areconfigured and disposed such that an air flow is able to enter the firstinlet 306 and pass through the aperture component (apertures 312) intosaid air intermingling compartment to intermingle with an air flowentering from the 20 second inlet 308 so as to form a combined (i.e.mixed) air flow passing out of the combined (i.e. mixed) air outlet 310.

In the case of the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 44 the incoming freshair flow is split or subdivided such that a relatively larger proportionof the fresh cool air is brought into contact 25 with the volume of warmstale air near the stale air inlet than farther away from the stale airinlet, i.e. the cool and warm air flows are blended in stages so as toavoid the blended air temperature from falling below the freezingtemperature of water or below the dew point temperature of water so asto avoid liquid water or ice buildup in the air handling system. Pleasesee FIG. 44 a which uses the same reference numerals as for FIG. 44 todesignated 30 analogous elements and which illustrates such a flow byarrows 314 of diminishing length away from the stale air inlet 308.

In accordance with the present invention the intermediate air dispenseror dispersal zone may comprises a diffuser body which is of a heattransfer insolation body, said insolation body defining said apertures;the insolation body may for example be formed of compressed polystyrene(beads).

Referring to FIGS. 45, 46 and 47 these figures illustrates anintermingling unit structure (e.g. of polystyrene) for an apparatus forintermingling of air in accordance with the present invention butwherein the roof of the air input vessel and the floor and side walls ofthe air intermingling compartment as well as channels walls for anexhaust air path to the outside of an enclosure are defined by otherstructures of an air handling apparatus. The intermingling unitstructure as shown reflects the aperture structure shown in FIGS. 44 and44 a. Thus there is a high(est) concentration of apertures 312 adjacentthe stale air inlet (see FIG. 47 wherein arrow 320 shows the portion ofstale air going to the intermingling zone); the stale air as seen fromFIG. 47 may be split into two portions, namely a portion designated bythe arrow 320 for intermingling and a second portion designated by thearrow. 322 for exhaustion outside an enclosure.

The intermingling unit structure as shown in FIGS. 45 to 47 has a freshair inlet 326 for receiving fresh air (arrow 328 in FIGS. 46 and 47) forpassage through the apertures of the diffuser floor into the underlyingintermingling compartment or zone.

The intermingling unit structure in addition to providing an underlyingstale air inlet for the intermingling chamber has an overhead stale airexhaust inlet 330 for an exhaust air path 331 for exhausting stale air(arrow 322 of FIGS. 46 and 47) from an enclosure rather then recyclingthe stale air back to the enclosure in association with fresh air, i.e.the intermingling unit structure provides as described above a stale airsplitter function wherein stale air is split between air destined forthe intermingling compartment and air to be directed to an exhaust airpath for being exhausted to the outside (of an enclosure); see FIGS. 46and 47.

Still referring to FIG. 45 the intermingling unit structure is providedwith a choker damper assembly (seen in exploded view) comprising a firstinlet damper 340 associated with the fresh air inlet 326 and a secondinlet damper 342 associated with the stale air exhaust inlet 330. Acommon shaft 348 is also provided which is rotatably engaged in openingsof support members 349 and 349 a The dampers 340 and 342 are both fixedor secured (in any known) suitable fashion (e.g. by lock screw 346) tothe common shaft 348 such that the dampers 340 and 342 can rotate inunison between respective closed and open positions. Additionally, atorsion spring 350 is mounted on the shaft 348 and one end 352 thereofis to engage element 354 of the support member 349 a while the other end356 engages or rests against a surface of the second damper 342 so as tobias it and (as a consequence) the other damper 340 in respective closedoff positions when the apparatus blower is not forcing air through theapparatus. During operation, the dampers 340 and 342 rotate under airpressure caused by airflow through the inlets 326 and 330, allowing airto access the different zones. As seen from FIGS. 46 and 47 one portionof stale air flow (arrow 322) goes to the exhaust inlet 330 and anotherstale air flow portion 320 to the mixing or intermingling zone; at thesame time a fresh air flow 328 goes to the diffuser zone (beforeaccessing the mixing zone under th e diffuser floor where it is(uniformly) blended to form an intermingled or mixed air flow fordelivery to the interior of an enclosure.

If desired or necessary the choker damper assembly may also include atemperature responsive choker inhibition element for inhibiting thedisplacement of the choker dampers between said first (closed) and saidsecond (open) positions, (e.g. in response to the temperature of theenvironment, e.g. in reaction to the temperature of the air flowing overthe choke). Thus the choker damper assembly shown in FIG. 45 includes abimetallic actuator 360 which is also mounted on the shaft 348 and whichis configured to react to temperature differences; the inner projection362 (see FIG. 50) is engaged in a slot 364 on the common shaft. When thefresh air flow is at ambient temperature, the bimetal actuator 360 is innon-restrictive position, i.e. the shaft is free to rotate 90° withoutbeing blocked by the bimetal spring 360; see FIGS. 48, 49 and 50.However, if the fresh air temperature decreases to a predetermined value(e.g. −30° C.), the outer projection 366 of the bimetallic actuator 360acts as a limiter and restricts the rotation of dampers by pushing on astopper surface 368 integrated in the intermingling unit structure, i.e.the bimetal spring 360 winds up to displace or urge the outer projection356 towards the stopper surface with the damper 340 in the closedposition; see FIG. 51. It is of course understood that if damper 340 ismaintained in a closed position the other damper 342 will also bemaintained in its closed position. If both dampers are maintained inclosed position no fresh air will be allowed into the mingling structureand all of the stale air will simply be recycled to the interior of theenclosure from which it was drawn. The bimetal actuator may be of thesame form as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 above (may be obtained from CrestManufacturing Company Lincoln R.I. USA).

The above particular description has been directed in to an airintermingling assembly for an air handling systems wherein the fresh airinput is a cold (dry) air flow as compared to the stale air input.However, such an air intermingling assembly be used or configured toaccommodate a fresh air input that is a hot and humid air flow ascompared to the stale air input. In this case the bimetallic actuatormay be configured to block the dampers closed once a predetermined hightemperature is reached (e.g. 35° C.). In this case, instead of a springmember, a hygroscopic member may be used. The hygroscopic member is onewhich able to expand with increasing humidity and is disposed relativeto the dampers and/or the common shaft such that at a predeterminedexpansion size (i.e. a predetermined humidity level in the fresh inputair) the hygroscopic member is able to block the dampers in a closedposition

Single Blower Wheel Assembly Provided with a First and a Second BlowerWheel Elements

Referring to FIG. 52 the known blower/motor combination shown comprisesfirst and second spaced apart blower wheels 370 and 372 which aremounted on a common motor rotor shaft 374 on either side of the motor376. One blower is associated with a fresh air stream represented by thearrow 378 and the other with a stale or exhaust air stream represent bythe arrow 380. As shown the portion of the motor rotor shaft associatedwith one blower passes through an opening (not shown) of a respectivebaffle wall 382 or 384. The motor 376 is thus separated from the two airstreams by both baffles 382 and 384, i.e. the motor 376 is sandwichedbetween the pair of baffle walls 382 and 384. Servicing of this type ofarrangement is complicated by the two baffles 382 and 384 which maynecessitate the separation of the motor 376 from the blower wheels whilestill in the ventilation apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 52 a and 53, the example blower wheel assembly 390(which is shown in schematic fashion) is shown with an airflow baffle392 having an inner peripheral edge 394 defining a baffle opening (i.e.a circular opening). The blower wheel assembly 390 comprises a dynamicseal member 398 (e.g. ring, annular, disk shaped member), a first blowerwheel 400, and a second blower wheel 402. The blower wheels 400 and 402are juxtaposed (e.g. adjacent to each other) and coaxially attached to arotor shaft (not shown) on opposite sides of the dynamic seal member 398so as to be rotatable about axis 404. The dynamic seal member 398 has anouter peripheral edge 408 (provided with a peripheral lip or peripheralgroove (e.g. the lip or groove extending parallel to, perpendicular toor transversely to the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft)). Thedynamic seal member 398, the first blower wheel 400 and the secondblower wheel 402 are sized and configured such that when the blowerwheel assembly is disposed in the baffle opening and the outerperipheral edge 408 is in juxtaposed relation to the inner peripheraledge of the baffle,

-   -   the first blower wheel is disposed on one side of the baffle 392        and the second blower wheel is disposed on the other opposite        site of the baffle 392 and    -   the outer peripheral edge 408 is able to mate with the inner        peripheral edge 394 of the baffle so as to be able to        dynamically cooperate with the inner peripheral edge 394 of the        baffle so as to provide a dynamic seal between opposite sides of        the baffle (i.e. to provide an air (flow) seal between the        opposite sides of the baffle when the blowers are rotated).

As may be seen the outer peripheral edge 408 and the inner peripheraledge 394 each have an L-like shape, each such L-shaped edge having afoot element and an inner side (394 a and 408 a), said foot elementsbeing in juxtaposed relation and each being disposed on the inner sideof the other edge, i.e. so as to provide a contorted pathway betweenopposite sides of the baffle.

Referring to FIG. 53 one of the blower wheels (i.e. blower wheel 400) isshown as comprising the dynamic seal member. The lower blower wheel ismounted to the motor rotor shaft while the upper blower is mounted tothe lower blower.

For FIGS. 52 and 53 air flow through the respective blowers is asindicted by the respective group of dotted line arrows.

Mounting Port

FIG. 54 shows two types of mounting ports, namely a large version 430for large openings and a smaller version 440 for smaller openings in theunderlying (ventilation) housing. Turning to FIGS. 55, 56 and 57, themounting port 440 comprises a side wall member 442 defining an airopening or passage, the side wall member 442 having an air input portionor end 444 and an air output portion or end 446. The air input end hassnap connection means 448 and 450 (e.g. male) for cooperating with thecorresponding snap connection means (e.g. female) of an air duct memberfor connecting the air duct to the mounting port 440. The air outputportion also have snap connection means 452 (e.g. male) for cooperatingwith the corresponding snap connection means 454 (e.g. female) of an(air) opening element 457. The snap effect may be provided by any(known) mechanism.

The air output end 446 of the mounting port is provided with a sealingprojection 460 for cooperating with a correspondingly (shaped) groove462 of the opening element for (air) seal mating therewith (i.e. for airseal connection of the port to the opening means). The mounting port andopening elements are also provided with four respective female (470) andmale (480) engagement elements having openings therethrough which oncealigned allow for fixing the mounting port to the opening element (e.g.by screws, rivets, or the like). The larger mounting port 430 hasanalogous structures to the smaller port 440.

FIG. 58 illustrate an alternative technique for sealing engagementbetween the relatively smaller mounting port 440 and a normally largeropening element. In this case sealing is affected by an adapter member490 which on one side (hidden from view) has an oval projection forsealing engagement with the correspondingly shaped grove 492 of theopening element 494; fixation is by above mentioned four respectivefemale and male engagement elements; as well as snap fit male elementsfor cooperating with female snap fit elements of the opening element. Onthe other exposed side the adapter is provided with an opening 496 whichcan receive the projections of the mounting port 440 as well as withfour respective male engagement elements for engagement with fourrespective female engagement elements of the mounting port.

Turning back to FIGS. 57 and 58 the mounting port is also provided witha two member duct mounting member at the air input portion or end. Thetwo member duct mounting member has a first inner mounting memberadapted to snap connect to a suitably configured (i.e. female) snapconnect duct of a predetermined size; this member comprises snapconnection means 450. A second outer mounting member extends from theinner member to snap connect to a suitably configured snap connect ductof a predetermined size smaller (i.e. of smaller cross sectional innerdiameter) than the duct connectable to the inner mounting member; thismember comprises snap connection means 448. This two member ductmounting member may be associated with a mounting port which does nothave a sealing projection or groove as shown in FIGS. 57. As may beappreciated this type of mounting port has the versatility of being ableto connect to two differently sized ducts. This mounting port could ofcourse be provided with more such mounting members of ever decreasingsize; i.e. the mounting port may have two or more such mounting membersof of ever decreasing size.

1. A method for introducing fresh air from outside an enclosure intostale air from the enclosure comprising the steps of: splitting a staleair flow from the enclosure into a first exhaust air flow stream forexhaustion and a reduced stale air flow stream; and introducing freshair from outside the enclosure into the reduced stale air stream so asto obtain an intermingled air stream.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1comprising filtering the intermingled air stream to obtain a filteredintermingled air stream.
 3. A method as defined in claim 1 comprisingsubjecting the fresh air to a heat exchange with the first exhaust airflow stream prior to introducing the fresh air into the reduced staleair stream.
 4. A method as defined in claim 2 comprising subjecting thefresh air to a heat exchange with the first exhaust air flow streamprior to introducing the fresh air into the reduced stale air stream 5.A system for introducing fresh air from outside an enclosure into staleair from the enclosure comprising: an air splitter component forsplitting an exhaust stale air flow from the enclosure into a firstexhaust air flow stream for exhaustion and a reduced stale air flowstream; and an air intermingling component means for introducing freshair from outside the enclosure into the reduced stale air stream so asto obtain an intermingled air stream.
 6. A system as defined in claim 5comprising an air filtering component for filtering the intermingled airstream so as to obtain a filtered intermingled air stream.
 7. A systemas defined in claim 5 comprising a heat exchange component forsubjecting the fresh air to a heat exchange with the first exhaust airflow stream prior to introducing the fresh air into the reduced stale.8. A system as defined in claim 6 comprising a heat exchange componentfor subjecting the fresh air to a heat exchange with the first exhaustair flow stream prior to introducing the fresh air into the reducedstale. 9-33. (cancelled)
 34. An air intermingling assembly for an airhandling system for exchanging air between the interior and exterior ofan enclosed space wherein fresh air flow from the exterior of theenclosure is intermingled with stale air flow from the interior of theenclosure to form a combined air flow for delivery back to the interiorof the enclosure, said air intermingling assembly comprising an airinput zone for receiving the fresh air flow, an air intermingling zonefor receiving the stale air flow and an intermediate air dispersal zonecomprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures for providing for aircommunication between said air input zone and said air interminglingzone such that the fresh air flow is able to pass through said aperturesinto said air intermingling zone to intermingle with the stale air flowso as to form a combined air flow.
 35. An air intermingling assembly asdefined in claim 34 wherein said air intermingling zone comprises astale air flow inlet and wherein said intermediate air dispersal zonecomprises an aperture zone of highest concentration of aperturesadjacent said stale air flow inlet.
 36. An air intermingling assembly asdefined in claim 34 wherein said intermediate air dispersal zonecomprises a heat transfer insolation body, said insolation body definingsaid apertures.
 37. An air intermingling assembly as defined in claim 35wherein said intermediate air dispersal zone comprises a heat transferinsolation body, said insolation body defining said apertures.
 38. Anair intermingling assembly as defined in claim 34 wherein the air inputzone is associated with a fresh air input component and saidintermingling zone is associated with a stale air input component, saidstale air input component comprising a first stale air input element forproviding air communication with an exhaust outlet for exhausting staleair and a second stale air input element for providing air communicationwith said intermingling zone, and wherein said air interminglingassembly comprises a first choker damper associated with said fresh airinput component a second choker damper associated with said first staleair input element a pivot interconnect component interconnecting saidfirst and second choker dampers such that said first and second chokerdampers are simultaneously displaceable between a respective first openposition and a respective second closed position; a biasing componentbiasing said choker dampers in respective second closed positions, saidbiasing component being configured such that the choker dampers are ableto be induced to pass from respective second closed positions torespective first open positions; and a temperature responsive chokerinhibition element attached to the pivot interconnect component suchthat said choker actuation means can inhibit displacement of the chokerdampers between said first and said second positions.
 39. An airintermingling assembly as defined in claim 38 wherein said intermediateair dispersal zone comprises an aperture zone of highest concentrationof apertures adjacent said second stale air input element.
 40. An airintermingling assembly as defined in claim 38 wherein said intermediateair dispersal zone comprises a heat transfer insolation body, saidinsolation body defining said apertures.
 41. An air interminglingassembly as defined in claim 39 wherein said intermediate air dispersalzone comprises a heat transfer insolation body, said insolation bodydefining said apertures. 42-52. (cancelled)